RMJM

Practice information
Founded 1956
Significant works and honors
Buildings Capital Gate, Scottish Parliament building, Varyap Grand Meridian
Projects Falkirk Wheel, Islamabad Masterplan, Mecca & Medina Masterplan, Hung Hom Station
Design Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Zhuhai Exhibition Centre
Awards Sterling Award, RIBA Award, Civic Trust Award, AIA Award
Website
www.rmjm.com

RMJM (Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall) is one of Britain’s largest international architecture and design firms. Founded in 1956 by architects Robert Matthew and Stirrat Johnson-Marshall, RMJM’s first offices were based in London and Edinburgh. RMJM provides services in sustainable design, masterplanning, urban design, spatial planning, landscape design, arts consultancy, historic preservation, computer visualisation and interior design to a range of clients for a variety of sectors, including mixed-use, education, energy, residential, government and hospitality.[1]

In its earlier years, RMJM designed in a functional modern style, with Matthew and Johnson-Marshall as strong proponents of the style in the United Kingdom. Today, RMJM provides architecture, master planning, design, and engineering consultancy services in several sectors. RMJM currently operates out of studios in Edinburgh, London, New York City, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, La Paz, Monterrey, São Paulo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Tehran, Karachi, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Istanbul, Ankara, Rome, Belgrade, Zurich, Nairobi, Mombasa, Pretoria, Kampala, Dar es Salaam and Gaborone.[2] In 2016, RMJM announced the creation of two "PRO" studios with the capacity to provide sector specific services, namely Sport and Healthcare.[3]

History

RMJM was founded by Stirrat Johnson-Marshall and Robert Matthew in 1956. The partnership began following Robert Matthew’s decision to hire Johnson-Marshall to manage the new London office of his architecture practice, which had been set up to oversee the construction of New Zealand House in Haymarket Road, London, described as "London's most distinguished 1960s office block".[4]

In 1961 the firm took Tom Spaven, Kenneth Graham, Vernon Lee, John Richards, Chris Carter and Alan Whiteman into partnership. As a result, the practice changed its name to RMJM & Partners.[5] The change in name also marked a shift towards larger international projects; by 1967 the practice employed 350 members of staff between the Edinburgh and London offices. [6]

RMJM began to take on more projects as the need for public sector construction grew,[5] expanding to include a Glasgow studio before extending its reach beyond the British borders. In the late 1960s the firm began working on projects in the United States; further projects in the Middle East and central Asia allowed RMJM to establish several more international studios in the following decades.

Over the next twenty years RMJM continued to expand, and the firm’s modernist, functional style became a trademark. As RMJM moved further into the emerging markets of the Middle East, East Asia and Africa, it began to establish more offices within the respective countries. Today RMJM Limited now has studios in twenty-five countries.[1]

RMJM in Middle East

Pakistan

In 1960 RMJM were selected by the Pakistani Government to assist in the regeneration of the nation’s capital, Islamabad.[5] The team tasked with the original project were invited to collaborate again in 2011 by the Pakistani Defence Housing Authority.[7] This time, the project involved the design and construction of a new sustainable city just outside Karachi, which began construction in 2012.[8] The collaboration, which also included Osmani, one of Pakistan’s oldest architecture firms, led to the two firms establishing a working relationship that would lead to the formation of RMJM Osmani in 2014.[9]

Saudi Arabia

RMJM began to work in Saudi Arabia in 1968 following an invitation to design the first plans for the Western region of Saudi Arabia, with master plans for the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina as well as the commercial capital Jeddah.[10] The project included detailed plans for the process of implementing and maintaining the broad area, along with architectural commissions for housing and institutional buildings. The project was hindered by a lack of cartographically correct maps and a language barrier, but following the formation of an interdisciplinary office in Jeddah, the project was completed on time.[11] Today RMJM Saudi Arabia has its headquarters based in Riyadh, but continues to work on projects around the Kingdom, including the Terraces[12] and The Waterfall,[13] two high end mixed use projects located in the King Abdullah Financial District.

The UAE

RMJM established their United Arab Emirates office in Dubai in early 1971, with the firm poised to take on several projects around the UAE following its formation in July of that year.[14] RMJM was the first registered international consultant to be employed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai.[15] Over the next four decades RMJM's Dubai studio participated in several UAE projects, including the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), the Dubai International Convention Centre (DICC) The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and the World’s furthest leaning building, Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi.[16][17][18][19] Today RMJM are still involved with several projects currently underway in the UAE, including Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi[20] and Palm Island in Dubai.[21]

RMJM in Asia

RMJM’s first steps into the East Asian market came in the form of designing the United World College for Southeast Asia, which was officially opened in Singapore in 1971, becoming a full member of the United World College Organisation in 1975.[22][23] This was followed by a request to design the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok.[24] Since first moving into the Asian market over forty years ago, RMJM have been involved in over 150 projects across the East Asian continent. RMJM have been responsible for the design, development and or construction of over 50 buildings in China, with several projects currently under design or construction.[25] In 2008, RMJM was asked to design one of the landmark buildings for the Beijing Olympic Games[26] The China National Convention Centre, a multi-purpose arena, is now a tourist destination following its role as one of the principal venues for the Beijing Olympic Games.[27] Today RMJM have studios in Shenzhen province and Hong Kong, as well as their principal East Asia Office based in Shanghai.[28]

RMJM in Europe

Since its foundation in 1956, RMJM has expanded to work on projects across Europe, including the Gazprom Business centre in St Petersburg, Russia and the New Engineering Building for the International University of Galway in Ireland.[29][30] In 2009, RMJM’s Istanbul Office, working with RMJM’s New-York based design team, announced the commencement of a Mixed Use Development Project in Atasehir, Istanbul. The first phase of the project was completed in late 2011 and was developed in partnership with Turkish real estate development company Varyap.[31][32] It was Turkey’s first LEED-certified mixed use development.[33]

In December 2011, RMJM acquired YRM, the Nuclear and Energy Specialists, allowing the company to venture into more technologically intensive industries such as environmental engineering.[34] In 2014 RMJM partnered with renowned designers Simone Cellitti and Roberto Tripi, partners of Pentastudio, to create RMJM Italia.[35] In February 2015, RMJM Italia submitted a proposal for the International Design Competition for the City of the Science in Rome in collaboration with RMJM Shenzhen and Japanese architect Waro Kishi.[36]

RMJM in Africa

RMJM’s presence in Africa dates back to 1960 when the group secured their first project for the Government of Nigeria, establishing government standards for school and university buildings.[37] The project resulted in the construction of over 100 schools.[38]

In 2014 RMJM established a studio in South Africa following the partnership with Froneman Architects, led by architect Chris Froneman.[39] RMJM South Africa has developed several projects across South Africa, including the Basil Read headquarters in Boksburg and the design for the Rolling Hills Estate Development in Mpumalanga[BG48].[40][41] In 2015 RMJM Symbion was established after the African-based international architecture and engineering firm Symbion joined RMJM.[39] Today RMJM has studios located in Pretoria, South Africa; Juba, South Sudan; Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kampala, Uganda and Gaborone, Botswana.

RMJM in the America's

North America

RMJM established its North American branch following the purchase of Hillier Architecture in June 2007. The purchased firm originally went under the title RMJM Hillier, but was later changed to RMJM North America.[42] With its chief headquarters in New York, RMJM North America has successfully negotiated several high-profile contracts, including work in Turkey, Dubai, China and Libya.[42] After HKA Architecture joined RMJM in 2014, the firm established an office in Los Angeles, leading to the development of new sustainable building designs, including the Torrance Memorial Medical Centre Complex.[43]

Central America

RMJM currently have two studios in the Central American Region, with one based in Monterrey, Mexico, and the other in Panama City, Panama. RMJM's Mexican studio was founded in association with the architecture and design firm CEARC in September 2014.[44] Based in the capital of Panama, RMJM EMA is led by Director and Chief Architecture Edward McGrath.[45] The studio represents the acquisition of Edward McGrath and Associates, a recognised architecture and landscaping firm.[46]

South America

RMJM established their first studio in South America in 2014, although a meeting between co-founder Sir Robert Matthew and then Cuban political leader Fidel Castro in 1963 marked the first venture into the region.[38] Two Argentinian architecture and design studios joined RMJM in 2014; Cordoba and Ocho66. A resulting design for the Library and Laboratory for the Balseiro Institute, located in Barlioche was awarded the third prize, with the judges praising “Its functional and constructive correction.”[47][48]

RMJM Initiatives

RMJM has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at addressing issues within architecture. These include the Architecture for Everyone minority scheme, which aimed to provide opportunities to talented ethnic minorities looking to establish a career in architecture. The scheme was initiated in partnership with the Stephen Lawrence Trust, named after the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, who intended to study architecture at university.[49] Other initiatives include a £1m investment to encourage young graffiti artists to pursue a career in architecture, also part of the Architecture for Everyone enterprise.[50]

Notable Projects and Awards

Project Location Year of Completion Award
Turnhouse Aerodrome Edinburgh 1958 Edinburgh Architecture Association Centenary Medal
Hutchesontown Housing Glasgow 1964 Saltire Award
Housing at Barhill Cumnock 1965 Civic Award
Ferguson Park Housing Blairgowrie 1966 Saltire Award Commendation
Housing at Market Street Jarrow 1967 Ministry of Housing Award
Farleigh Dickinson University New Jersey 1968 American Institute of Architects Chapter Awards
Franklin Pierce College, Science Building New Hampshire 1969 American Institute of Architects, Chapter Awards
Royal Commonwealth Pool Edinburgh 1970 RIBA Regional Award
University of Stirling Halls of Residence Stirling 1971 Concrete Society Award Commendation
Royal Commonwealth Pool Edinburgh 1972 Civic Trust Award
Power Station Cockenzie 1973 RICS/Times Conservation Award
Ninewells Hospital & Medical School Dundee 1974 Concrete Society Award Special Mention
RMJM Offices Bells Brae Edinburgh 1975 Civic Trust European Architecture Heritage Year Award
American Subcontractors’ Association Delaware Valley 1976 Outstanding Architect of the Year Award
New Terminal, Edinburgh Airport Edinburgh 1977 Structural Steel Design Award Commendation
Rutgers University Athletic Center New Jersey 1978 Illuminating Engineering Society
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery Guernsey 1979 National Heritage Museum of the Year Award
Hillingdon Civic Centre London 1980 TV Times Readers Award
The Hillier Group Corporate Headquarters New Jersey 1981 New Jersey Business & Industry Association, New Good Neighbor Award
Cherrybank Gardens Perth 1982 Civic Trust Award
Ridge Oak Housing for the Elderly New Jersey 1983 Land Development Awards
Arrowwood of Westchester Westchester 1984 American Hotel and Motel Association
Distillers Company Headquarters Edinburgh 1985 EAA Medal for Architecture
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Edinburgh 1986 Scottish Museum of the Year Award
Research Building Huntingdon 1987 EEB Beta Award
The Greenwood Grille Philadelphia 1988 Design in Philadelphia Competition
University of York York 1989 Voted Best Academic Conference Venue
Cherry Garden Pier Housing London 1990 ALCA American Award of Distinction
Falkirk Sheriff Court Falkirk 1991 Scottish Enterprise/RIAS Regeneration Design Award Commendation
New Jersey State Aquarium New Jersey 1992 Philadelphia Business Journal - Building Excellence Award
Morristown Memorial Hospital New Jersey 1993 Regional Concrete Awards
Wyeth Corporate Headquarters New Jersey 1994 New Jersey Business & Industry Association, New Good Neighbor Award
Scottish Executive HQ, Victoria Quay Edinburgh 1995 RIAS Urban Regeneration Award
The Peddie School, Finn M.W. Caspersen Campus Center New Jersey 1996 Regional Masonry Institute Awards
British Airways Waterside, Prospect Park London 1997 Construct Award for Innovation
Tron Theatre Glasgow 1998 Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Award
Sage Hall, The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University New York 1999 Build America Award
Homes for the Future Villas Glasgow 2000 RIAS Regeneration of Scotland Supreme Award
Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Tower New York 2001 DuPont Antron Design Award, Merit Winner
Cambridge William Gates Building, University of Cambridge Cambridge 2002 RIBA Regional Award
Falkirk Wheel [boatlift] Falkirk 2003 Dynamic Place Award Supreme Award
Mont Orchid Riverlet Residential Development Shenzhen 2004 AIA Hong Kong Honor Awards ‘Merit Award in Architecture’
Scottish Parliament Building Edinburgh 2005 Overall Winner in the Concrete Society's 2005 Awards for Outstanding Structures
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Singapore 2006 Urban Planning, Architectural Design Competition (1st Prize)
Woodhorn (Museum) Northumberland 2007 Civic Trust Awards: Commendation
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) Abu Dhabi 2008 Construction Week's 2008 "Project of the Year" Award
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Singapore 2009 BCA Green Mark Awards 2009 (Platinum)
Varyap Meridian Residential and Commercial Complex Istanbul 2010 International Property Award, World’s Best Architectural Project
Engineering Building, National University of Ireland Galway 2011 CMG Awards Best Sustainable Building
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Singapore 2012 BCA Construction Excellence Awards Category: Institutional Buildings
Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village Glasgow 2013 Home for Scotland Awards – Best Green Initiative
Varyap Meridian Istanbul 2014 Dubai Cityscape Awards, Best Built Residential Project

References

  1. 1 2 "RMJM History & Services", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 25 June 2015
  2. ↑ RMJM: Regions & Services, RMJM: Home, April 12, 2016
  3. ↑ RMJM: Pro: Healthcare/Sport', RMJM: Home, April 13, 2016
  4. ↑ Paul Stallan; Lucy Andrew; Adrian Boot (2006) "RMJM: Inside Out, Outside In". Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772595
  5. 1 2 3 "Scottish Architects", Scottish Architects Website., Scottish Architects Website', 25 June 2015
  6. ↑ RMJM (1996) "RMJM 40: The First Forty Years". RMJM Publishing. ISBN 0952973804
  7. ↑ ", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., Herald Scotland, 25 June 2015
  8. ↑ "RMJM Karachi Pakistan", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 25 June 2015
  9. ↑ "RMJM Central Asia", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 25 June 2015
  10. ↑ Paul Stallan; Lucy Andrew; Adrian Boot (2006) "RMJM: Inside Out, Outside In". Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772595
  11. ↑ Paul Stallan; Lucy Andrew; Adrian Boot (2006) "RMJM: Inside Out, Outside In". Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772595
  12. ↑ RMJM The Terraces, KAFD, July, 02, 2015
  13. ↑ RMJM, The Waterfall, KAFD, July 02, 2015
  14. ↑ "RMJM Middle East", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 2 July 2015
  15. ↑ Paul Stallan; Lucy Andrew; Adrian Boot (2006) "RMJM: Inside Out, Outside In". Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772595
  16. ↑ "RMJM in Dubai", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 2 July 2015
  17. ↑ "RMJM Middle East", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 2 July 2015
  18. ↑ "RMJM in Dubai", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 2 July 2015
  19. ↑ "RMJM in Dubai", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 2 July 2015
  20. ↑ "RMJM Saadiyat Island", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., Michael Mcdonagh, 2 July 2015
  21. ↑ "RMJM Palm Island", E-Architect., e-architect, 2 July 2015
  22. ↑ Modern Architect: The Life and Times of Robert Matthew. 2008.
  23. ↑ [http:// www.uwcsea.edu.sg/about "UWC Southeast Asia"], United World College Southeast Asia., UWCSEA Website, 3 July 2015
  24. ↑ RMJM: The First Forty Years. 1996.
  25. ↑ "RMJM Website", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, 3 July 2015
  26. ↑ RMJM China National Convention Centre, CNCC, July, 03, 2015
  27. ↑ "CNCC", China National Convention Centre., China National Convention Centre, 3 July 2015
  28. ↑ RMJM RMJM Regions Asia, RMJM Regions, July, 03, 2015
  29. ↑ RMJM RMJM Portfolio, RMJM Projects, July, 03, 2015
  30. ↑ RMJM RMJM Portfolio, RMJM Projects, July, 03, 2015
  31. ↑ Arch Daily Turkey First LEED Development, Arch Daily, July, 03, 2015
  32. ↑ RMJM Varyap Meridian, July, 03, 2015
  33. ↑ Design Curial RMJM designs first LEED Registered Project, Design Curial, July, 03, 2015
  34. ↑ Architects Journal YRM Sold to RMJM, The Architects Journal, July, 03, 2015
  35. ↑ RMJM RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Europe, July, 03, 2015
  36. ↑ RMJM RMJM Portfolio, RMJM Projects, July, 03, 2015
  37. ↑ Calder, James (1996). RMJM 40.
  38. 1 2 Glendinning, Miles (2008) [1st pub], Modern Architect, The Life and Times of Robert Matthew, RIBA Publishing, ISBN 1859462839
  39. 1 2 RMJM RMJM Regions Africa, RMJM Regions, July, 07, 2015
  40. ↑ RMJM RMJM Portfolio, RMJM Projects, July, 07, 2015
  41. ↑ RMJM RMJM Portfolio, RMJM Projects, July, 07, 2015
  42. 1 2 e-architect RMJM Hillier, E-Architect, July, 07, 2015
  43. ↑ "RMJM Website", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, July, 07, 2015
  44. ↑ CEARC Who We Are, CEARC, July, 07, 2015
  45. ↑ "RMJM", RMJM Regions, "RMJM Website", July, 07, 2015
  46. ↑ "EMA" , EMA About, "EMA Website", July, 07, 2015
  47. ↑ "RMJM Website", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, July, 07, 2015
  48. ↑ "RMJM Website", RMJM Architecture & Masterplanning Ltd., RMJM Website, July, 07, 2015
  49. ↑ "Sourcewire", News Distribution, September, 18, 2015
  50. ↑ "BDOnline", Building Design, September, 18, 2015
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